December 2018 Around Town

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December 17, 2018

Christmas at Biltmore

The Christmas at Biltmore celebrations continue throughout December until January 6, 2019. Some of the beautiful holiday décor includes wreaths, garlands and thousands of ornaments on more than 55 glorious Christmas trees within the house itself. Across the estate, the festive décor continues with colorful holiday blooms in the Conservatory, commemorative Christmas wine at the Winery, special menus in restaurants and a breathtaking illumination display in Antler Hill Village.

2018 National Gingerbread House Competition™ Display

The 26th Annual National Gingerbread Competition’s™ winning creations are currently on display until January 4, 2019. Guests not staying at the Omni Grove Park Inn are invited to view the gingerbread house exhibits after 3 p.m. on Sundays or anytime Monday through Thursday, based on parking availability; this excludes all holidays. Experiencing this magical festivity is free, but parking is $20.

Grove Arcade’s Winter Wonderland

The Grove Arcade’s spectacular Winter Wonderland festivities continue throughout the month of December with appearances from the man in the big red suit himself on Dec. 2, 9 and 16 from 1-5 p.m. and a Gingerbread House Display in partnership with The Grove Park Inn and the 26th Annual National Gingerbread Competition™. The Grove Arcade is also beautifully decorated with holiday adornments and most businesses are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and 12-5 p.m. on Sunday.

Apple Tree Honda 1988 Accord DX Hatchback Giveaway for Charity

Apple Tree Honda is selling raffle tickets for a 1988 Honda Accord DX Hatchback until December 20, 2019. Tickets are $25 each and there is no limit on how many you can buy. The Accord is extremely well kept and offers a great reflection of Honda’s heritage. All of the funds raised from ticket sales will be given to various charities within our local community.

2018 Parade of Homes Award Recognitions

On October 18, the Asheville Home Builders Association held their Fall Awards Gala to honor the builders who participated in the 2018 Parade of Homes. The homes were judged by building industry professionals from across the Carolinas and awards were given for craftsmanship, special awards categories and more. Among those that were recognized were our close friends at Living Stone Design+Build, ID.ology and Osada Construction. The ID.ology team was recognized with best merchandising in three different categories. Osada Construction received two Silver Craftsmanship Awards for their beautiful homes located at 100 Summit Tower and 50 Wandering Oaks Way and the Green Certification Award for their 120 Old Macedonia Road modern farm home. Last but not least, Living Stone Design+Build was awarded with two Gold Craftsmanship Awards for their stunning properties at 44 Bent Branch Lane and 9 Ellington Drive, best print marketing piece for the Collaborative Living Magazine, best website, the Innovative Home Award for their 9 Ellington Drive home as well as Best in Show for 9 Ellington Drive.

Asheville Names New City Manager

In mid-October, the Asheville City Council voted unanimously for Debra D. Campbell to become Asheville’s new City Manager. This comes after the City Council voted to remove City Manager Gary Jackson in March after a video of a few Asheville City police officers beating a man accused of jaywalking went public. Campbell begins her role in Asheville with over 30 years of experience in transit planning, urban planning, neighborhood revitalization and much more.

Asheville Area Chamber of Congress Launches Professional Mentorship Program

The Asheville Area Chamber of Congress recently launched NEXT AVL, a 9-month professional mentorship program that pairs students with local working professionals. Each mentorship’s aim is individualized to the student’s needs, but focuses on building the skills and confidence they need to enter the workforce in Western North Carolina. For more information about the program and to learn more about the nomination process, visit ashevillechamber.org.

Ambiente Modern Furniture Partners with Stressless For a Good Cause

Ambiente Modern Furniture and Stressless are proud partner this holiday season to help the underprivileged and homeless youth in our community. With a $50 donation to the Trinity Place Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter, you can receive up to $400 off your Stressless purchase. The Trinity Place Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter not only provides support for the youth, but also their families. With the goal of family reunification or an alternate placement, they offer the support, community and education necessary for proper development. For more information, call 828-412-5505 or email asheville@ambientefurniture.com.